Best lap point, more room for youngsters… the major changes to the FIA’s F1 rules

The FIA World Motor Sport Council approved significant changes to the Formula 1 regulations at its third meeting of 2024, which took place on October 17 at the FIA offices in Paris. The most notable change is the removal of the fastest lap point starting from the 2025 season.

Introduced in 2019 to add suspense to the races, The fastest lap point will therefore be removed, bringing the maximum number of points available in a Grand Prix to 25. The bonus points system, which only awarded the extra point to drivers finishing in the top 10, had been criticized for not achieving its initial goal of improving the spectacle of the races.

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This decision follows, in particular, a controversial incident at the Singapore Grand Prix, where Daniel Ricciardo (Racing Bulls), despite finishing 18th, had set the fastest lap and prevented Lando Norris (McLaren) from obtaining the bonus point. This intervention affected the battle for Norris’ championship with Max Verstappen, increasing his deficit to 52 points instead of 51, and triggered discussions on potential team collaborations between Red Bull and its sister team VCARB.

More opportunities for young pilots

The FIA has also approved significant changes to promote the inclusion of young drivers in Formula 1. Thus, starting in 2025, teams will be required to entrust the first Friday free practice sessions to rookies twice a season for each car, thus doubling the current requirement.

Following the postponement of the sprint race planned during the post-season tests in Abu Dhabi, the FIA noted in its official statement that this decision aims to provide more track time for the new generation of drivers. This initiative is part of Formula 1’s overall strategy to promote the emergence of young talents at the highest level of motorsport.

This measure offers a practical solution to the ongoing challenge of providing young drivers with experience in current Formula 1 cars. It takes into account the strict limitations on testing during the season. Teams will need to adjust their training programs to incorporate these additional sessions for rookies, while also ensuring they maintain an optimal level of competitive preparation for race weekends.

Financial and technical updates for 2026

The FIA has revealed further changes concerning technical, sporting, and financial rules. FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem stated that « regulatory changes for Formula 1 in 2026 will ensure that the sport remains financially sound and has greater relevance on the road, alongside the introduction of enhanced safety features that do not compromise exciting races ».

Financial guidelines have been simplified in order to facilitate understanding of compliance with the currently set cost limits. While the overall cost ceiling level remains the same as the current standards, the actual figures will be adjusted to reflect the changes made to the scope of exclusion and adjustment and the effect of cumulative inflation, the FIA said in its statement.

Regarding the technical regulations for 2026, they will incorporate enhanced aerodynamic changes developed in collaboration between the FIA, Formula One Management, and the teams. According to the FIA, the aim of these adjustments is to improve the cars’ performances while maintaining the ability to closely follow each other to enhance the spectacle and provide competitive and exciting races.

From a sports point of view, adjustments will be made regarding the management of the powertrain energy and the aerodynamic configuration with the introduction of the straight line mode (to reduce drag) and the cornering mode (to increase downforce). Additionally, each team will have the opportunity to participate in three pre-season tests spread over three days each to familiarize themselves with the new power units.

The FIA plans to work closely with Formula 1 management and teams to fine-tune these rules in the coming months, in order to maintain Formula 1’s position as a leader in motorsport while addressing current challenges and seizing opportunities that arise.